eunuch

noun

eu·​nuch ˈyü-nək How to pronounce eunuch (audio)
-nik
1
: a castrated man placed in charge of a harem or employed as a chamberlain in a palace
2
: a man or boy deprived of the testes or external genitals
3
: one that lacks virility or power
political eunuchs
eunuchism noun

Examples of eunuch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Health Voluntary eunuchs: Why do some men choose castration? Big Think, 24 June 2024 Jinshi is actually the emperor’s younger brother and is merely using being a eunuch as cover. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 31 May 2024 Jinshi is presented as one of the court’s many eunuchs who surprisingly handles very important business that keeps the royal palace functioning smoothly. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 31 May 2024 Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew that some men are born eunuchs. Ruth Graham, New York Times, 17 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for eunuch 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English eunuk, from Latin eunuchus, from Greek eunouchos, from eunē bed + echein to have, have charge of — more at scheme entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of eunuch was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near eunuch

Cite this Entry

“Eunuch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eunuch. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

eunuch

noun
eu·​nuch ˈyü-nək, -nik How to pronounce eunuch (audio)
: a man or boy deprived of the testes or external genitals
eunuchism noun

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